Gaylord lacking

OUT OF THE INK BOTTLE:

December 05, 2007

Kurt J. Kolka

I remember being turned on to art at an early age, thanks to newspaper comics, books and school. Art class was the best part of any school day. It engaged and gave fruition to imagination. How many times have we stared at a painting (or photograph) of wildlife or nature hanging from a business wall? Ever bought a piece of artwork for someone for a gift?

During this season people traditionally give to individuals and organizations. And can you find a community more giving than this one? I think people would be hard-pressed to. Even in difficult financial times such as these, Gaylord gives.

Yet, recently some events have made me wonder, “What’s up with that?”* when it comes to Gaylord’s giving. An example: Several months ago, the Gaylord Area Council for the Arts (GACA) had asked for money to keep its storefront art center going, due to cutbacks from the state of Michigan. When not enough donations came in and they were forced to close their gallery, I assumed it was just due to the poor economy. People just didn’t have the money.

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Then back in September, an area athletic director sought funding for artificial turf on a high school football field. Local businesses and residents claimed they could come up with around $265,000.

Hmm … OK, let me get this straight. People and businesses had $265,000 burning a hole in their pockets when it came to simply exchanging real grass for artificial, but couldn’t find a penny to save GACA from losing its gallery space and Main Street presence? What is up with that?

For those sports-only fans out there: GACA losing its gallery space would be like the schools telling the basketball teams, “I’m sorry we’re closing the gym, but we’ll give you the cafeteria to play your games.” Would that be a letdown or what?

I am thankful that the airport terminal and the Woodworkers Shoppe down in Comins have donated gallery space to GACA, but it still isn’t the same as GACA having its own gallery.

It saddens me that the arts are often taken so lightly. But, I guess, it shouldn’t surprise me. Michigan’s politicians have also relegated the arts to the back seat in education. Recent changes in graduation requirements made by the legislature have said only one semester of introductory art is needed for a balanced education. One semester of art? The same with physical education. Obviously, our kids don’t need more exercise; those additional years of required algebra, geometry, etc. will keep them healthy!

Because the state government has added so many required courses, there will be very few elective courses for students to choose from. Small communities like Gaylord may only be able to offer introduction to arts classes and nothing beyond.

Even if P. E. is cut back, there are plenty of opportunities here in Otsego County for kids to get exercise . There’s the Sportsplex, Community Center’s activities, Bear Basketball, community soccer, etc. Where will they go for the arts?

Organizations like GACA provide a meaningful service to the people of this area, but they need space. When a large portion of their funding is going toward paying rent, they can’t offer as many programs as are needed here or put the works of artists on display when space is lacking.

Back when I was in high school during the 1970s, when we had several arts classes available, I remember a friend and I used to sit at a table challenging our skills as artists with each drawing or painting. Around us sat some kids commonly referred to back then as “burn-outs”. You might assume they were in art because it was an easy class and some were. However, to my surprise, several of these “burn-outs” turned out to be very talented at art, with skills beyond mine. In the end, I wondered, what would have happened if we’d have had creative outlets like GACA back then and to encourage them to spend more time in the arts, rather than drugs or alcohol.

This art class memory was brought back earlier this month when I saw the work of vandals spray painted on buildings. I was impressed by their talent. Too bad there was no one to encourage them to use it more constructively. Maybe there could be.

This season, after you have given to the needy in our community, if there remains money burning a hole in your pocket, consider giving to the arts. You never know who your money could benefit.

*With apologies to Nicole Laskowski for use of her famed column catch phrase.